Number of licensed security guards in bars: 37
Only 37 licensed security guards work in Malta’s bars and clubs.
Just 37 security guards have been licensed to work in the hundreds of bars and nightclubs across the islands since new legislation came into force last June.
The legislation, drafted after several high-profile reports of beatings by so-called ‘bouncers’ over the years, was revised and postponed before eventually coming into force.
Since June 30, security guards working in bars and nightclubs have had to possess a new Private Guard at a Place of Entertainment licence issued by the Police Commissioner. This provision was included in the 2010 amendments to the Private Guards and Local Wardens Act.
Security guards were originally given till October 1, 2011 to obtain the new licence. This was extended to January 31, 2012 and then to June 30, 2012.
Requirements for applicants to be granted the licence were watered down in this period.
The Sunday Times reported on July 29 that the Police Commissioner had received 28 applications for the new licences – enough to cover a handful of Paceville bars on a Saturday night.
All these licences were approved and issued, the police said at the time.
The police told this newspaper early last month that just nine more licences have been issued following the publication of the article last July.
Since receiving this information, The Sunday Times has been asking the Home Affairs Ministry to comment on these figures.
The ministry, which oversaw this legislation, has so far failed to acknowledge several e-mails over the past month.
Back in August, a ministry spokesman said the process for issuing the new licences was “adequate”.
He said this was because only applications received upto April 30 had been approved by that point and more were being processed.
This contradicted the police’s claim that all applications had been approved.
According to the legislation, the Police Commissioner can also require licence applicants to attend a specialised training course.
Asked how many applicants had been sent on such a course by the Commissioner, the police said last month: “Courses are independent of the police force. These are given by private agencies licensed by the Home Affairs Ministry.”
The amendments also introduced Specialised Private Guard licences for security personnel working outside the entertainment industry.
From June 30 to December 4, 317 of these licences have been issued – 179 for driving and 138 for non-driving jobs.
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11 Comments
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Noel Cuschieri
Jan 13th, 21:45
Whoever in the Ministry is responsible of all this mess should hand in his/their resignation, unless there is a valid reason not to give an explanation of all these shortcomings. If this does not happen, then I will find it very difficult to trust the people who are in power, and will find it even more difficult to elect them again in power when the time is opportune!
James McIntosh
Jan 13th, 17:55
@ Charles Muscat, Can't you read mate, or can't you understand simple English language. The police KNOW that there were only 37 licenses issued, so why are they not cracking down seriously on all the clubs that need licensed security staff and prosecuting the guilty. They are not doing this because of some reason, is political influence being forced upon the police top brass to turn a blind eye.
James Dewar
Jan 13th, 15:16
Close the premises until they can comply as there is an obvious public safety risk. How many more extensions to deadlines and how much more watering down of the requirements to satisfy licensing? It seems that like so many other areas in Malta in this issue enforcement is weak or non existent.
Jay Oatmon
Jan 13th, 18:07
I agree but I think that many influential people have interests in Paceville - that is why little action is taken.
We have double standards in Malta and 'top boys' continue as usual and the public gets the shaft.
James Dewar
Jan 13th, 20:11
@ Jay Oatmon: For a long time I tried not to believe such a situation existed but over the years I have become convinced that there is a section of the Maltese business community that remains effectively "untouchable" and apparently above the law. That is not healthy.
R. Cilia
Jan 13th, 14:10
The usual story; laws are passed but ther is no enforcement! Who cares as long as we have it on paper!
Jay Oatmon
Jan 13th, 13:13
Obviously the police turn a blind eye and there are many unlicensed bouncers around who just merge into the background when they see the police - what about heavy fines for the clubs that employ them as well as weekly document inspections etc!
James Dewar
Jan 13th, 12:01
It seems like so many other areas in Malta there is no enforcment being taken in respect of breaches. If it is a condition of the premises licence that they must employ licensed security then unless or until they do they should not be allowed to function. Deadlines have come and gone and conditions watered down but still the requirement is being ignored by the majority. Public safety is at risk.
James McIntosh
Jan 13th, 10:53
Then what in hell is the police force doing about it. They should be out every night demanding the operators produce the licences for their "security guards". This is dereliction of duty, as the police know there are very few properly staffed establishments in operation. Police and PN are using "Nelson's eye", I think that money talks and all others can go to hell under PN. Prove me wrong.
Charles Muscat
Jan 13th, 12:32
Are you saying that police should look after private business so they can make more profit from tax payers? Wake up mate, of course you are wrong.
James Wightman
Jan 13th, 10:45
Many clubs have at least 3 or 4 so in reality it's less than 12 clubs or so that are legal?
Please choose the reason of your report below: